I Tried Something Different

In order to make my road cycling experience a little more enjoyable and to spice things up a bit I tried something a little different, at least for me anyway. I get invited by a few of my friends to go trail riding with them. Now, mind you, I haven’t been on a Mountain Bike in several years nor on a trail in the past 20.

We head out to Colonel Francis Beatty Park and try their trail. Not knowing what to expect, I found out a few things right ways. Trees jump out in front of you and roots actually reach up from the ground and grab you. I also found out that MTB riding skills are not the same as road riding skills.

I spent some time on my ass and picking debris out of wounds on my arm and knee. I also came down hard a few times.  My butt and knee still hurt this morning. I was not as fast as the people I was riding with, but one thing I can say for sure, I was not as winded either. As a matter of fact, Nicole and I managed to make it out to The Bee Team ride and do another 20 miles immediately after leaving the park. My buddies needed to stop a few times just to catch their breath, as well as to allow me to catch up.

Now I understand that Beatty Park’s trails are really nothing special, but they do have far too many roots and way to much sand for a roadie. I supposed that a few more rides out their will allow me to get more comfortable. After all my riding and just before hopping in the shower I also noticed that I had a bruise across my chest and one on my right shoulder. I have been told that if you don’t end up scarred or leave blood on the trail you aren’t doing it right. I must have done something right!

A few observations about the bike I was riding. Chain slap is annoying, I am used to quiet miles rolling along the countryside. Front shocks with lots of adjustments are not a good idea for a beginner. I need to learn how to fine tune the setting. I had it set up way too stiff and found myself getting hammered on the rougher sections. Shifting was good although my rear derailleur was just a tad bit out of adjustment, it was fine in the workstand, but needed a few quarter turns of the adjustment knobs.

All told I was a little beat up. I busted my saddle. I was just a bit tired. It was fun, but not that much fun. I will do it some more but won’t be switching away from road biking any time soon.

Pictures of the MTB will be posted soon.